Statewide Business Briefs - Oct. 2007

POLITICSTRUE OR PANTS ON FIRE? — » The St. Petersburg Times and sister publication Congressional Quarterly have introduced a new element into coverage of the presidential race — a website that scores the truthfulness of specific claims by the candidates. The site, PolitiFact.com, publishes new findings every weekday on the accuracy of speeches, TV ads, interviews and other campaign claims. Editors will declare whether a claim is true, mostly true, half true, barely true or false — and provide sourcing for all rulings. Truly egregious campaign statements earn a designation called “pants on fire.” Florida Trend is owned by Times Publishing Co., which also owns the St. Petersburg Times and Congressional Quarterly.

FISHING
‘DISASTER’ RELIEF — » Robert Spaeth, owner of Madeira Beach Seafood in Pinellas County and executive director of the Southern Offshore Fishing Association, is planning to seek a disaster declaration for Florida’s shark fishing industry, which he says has been ruined by restrictions that include trip limits and the creation of a fishing season.

VENTURE CAPITALNEW OFFICES — » The Florida Venture Forum, a statewide support group for venture capitalists and entrepreneurs, has moved to new offices in the historic Hyde Park area of Tampa to accommodate the group’s growth.